SPECTACULAR crashes at a North-East racing circuit kick off the latest TV challenge series that has been dubbed "Popstars with cars".

Racing Rivals begins the ITV1 hunt to find Britain's most promising driver on Saturday, July 26, in a six-programme contest hosted by TV pin-up Nell McAndrew and racing driver Jason Plato, who was brought up in Newcastle.

Eighteen drivers were invited to Croft racing circuit, near Darlington, for the first two shows, filmed in May, and had to raise £75,000 sponsorship for the chance of a one-year contract with SEAT in the 2004 European Touring Car Championship.

Nikki O'Shea, of programme-makers Granada, said: "This is the biggest prize in British motor racing, and the winner also gains a racing driver lifestyle of a salary, company car and use of a flat in Monaco."

Paul Evans, who handles public relations for SEAT sponsor Holiday Inn, said: "The viewers will see plenty of crashes and personality clashes at Croft, which develop over the series, just like in Popstars.

"Most of the drivers taking part had not raced at 155mph before, so Croft officials really did well in the circumstances. Some cars didn't make it around the first corner."

Sadly, two of the original 18 didn't even make the start after their sponsors pulled out.

Henry Taylor, from Sussex, will be shown walking to the North-East because he lost his sponsor on the first day of filming.

Jason Plato is able to commiserate with the pair because he ran out of financial backing, despite winning the 2001 British Touring Car championship.

Four programmes already filmed are building towards a live final at Thruxton on ITV1 on the weekend of August 16 and 17.

SEAT has supplied identical cars for the Cupra Championship, which features 250bhp turbo-charged, front-wheel drive racers.

The contestants are made up of 13 men and three women who can earn up to £6,000 in fees and prizemoney and gain the use of a company car.

Sponsorship cash was required to fund race entry fees, tyres, fuel and preparation of cars.

Such has been the interest in Racing Rivals that a follow-up series is already being discussed.

ITV2 will also feature updates, plus a farewell race meeting on September 28 at Brands Hatch, when a telephone vote will decide the starting grid, with £100,000 in prizemoney up for grabs.